Floodplain

Floodplains are areas adjacent to rivers and streams that are subject to natural, recurring overflow, and are therefore “flood-prone”. Changing weather patterns, erosion, and development can affect floodplain boundaries. To identify a community's flood risk, FEMA regularly conducts a Flood Insurance Study. The study includes statistical data for river flow, storm tides, hydrologic/hydraulic analyses, and rainfall and topographic surveys. FEMA uses this data to create and update flood hazard maps.

The Washington Township's Floodplain Management is a program of corrective and preventative measures for reducing flood damage. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include requirements for zoning, subdivision or building, and special-purpose floodplain ordinances. The Township maintains copies of all floodplain revision requests, either approved or denied, for building and construction permitting.